Want to get in trouble with me, Carlos?

A garter. You’re supposed to take it off and keep it as a memento. K-k-kinda like a trophy
for going far sexually with a girl. It’s stupid, really. And kind of d-d-degrading if I think about
it too m-m-much.”
“I know what it is,” he says, amusement evident in his voice. “I just wanted to hear your
explanation.

He opens his window and motions for me to open mine. When I do, he tries to say something. His voice barely carries through the sound of the rain coming down hard between us.

I lean out the car window. "What?" 

He leans out his window, meeting me halfway. We're both wet and soaked, but neither of us seems to care. "Don't run away from me when I need to tell you somethin' important."

"What?" I say, hoping he doesn't notice the tears running down my face, and praying they're getting mixed up with the rain. 

"Tonight was . . . well, it was perfect for me, too. You've turned my world upside down. I've fallen in love with you, chica, and it scares the fuckin' shit outta me. I've been shakin' all night, because I knew it. I've tried to deny it, to make you think I wanted you as a fake girlfriend, but that was a lie." 

"I love you, Kiara," he says before his lips move forward and meet mine.

That’s not the only reason I’m stayin’, chica. I can’t leave you any more than I could walk
out that door right now while my leg is busted up. I was just thinkin’ . . . should we tell your
parents now or later?”
“Tell them what?” I ask, eyes wide.
He kisses me softly, then says proudly, “That we’re in a serious, monogamous, committed
relationship.”
“We are?”
“Sí. And when I get out of here, I’m gonna fix the door to your car.

K,
the lady at the store said yellow means friendship and red means love. The rosary is the only thing I own that has value to me. It's yours. I'm yours
C.

Do I hear a challenge?” she whispers, “Oh, Carlos. You know I can’t resist a challenge.